Ark of Taste

Algonquian Squash

Cucurbita pepo

The Algonquian squash (or pumpkin) originated in New England and was grown by the Abenaki people of Maine, New Hampshire and Western Massachusetts. Algonquian pumpkin was among the foodstuffs Lewis and Clark traded for with the Mandan Indians circa 1804-1806.

This oblong-shaped squash should be harvested green and turns orange in storage. It is meaty but not stringy and has a smoky, nutty, rich and sweet taste. It is described as being excellent for pies, perhaps become it is less wet and heavy than other types of squash.